Dhaka, January 16, 2025 – Institute of Informatics and Development (IID) and Youth for Policy strongly condemn the violent attack on indigenous students and protesters in front of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) on January 15, 2025. The assault, perpetrated during a peaceful protest advocating for the reinstatement of the term “Adibashi” in a school textbook, left several individuals, including women and journalists, injured. This reprehensible act of violence against marginalized communities not only threatens the safety of our citizens but also undermines democratic values and the spirit of inclusivity enshrined in our constitution.
Reports indicate that the attack was initiated by members of the group “Students for Sovereignty,” who had staged a counter-protest demanding the removal of the term “Adibashi” from the textbook. The violent confrontation resulted in multiple injuries, with victims requiring medical attention at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. This incident highlights the growing intolerance and the urgent need to protect the rights of indigenous communities and other marginalized groups.
An Attack on the Spirit of Equality and Justice
This attack represents a betrayal of the ideals of the July Movement, widely recognized as a historic turning point in the fight for anti-discrimination and equality in Bangladesh. The July Movement stood as a beacon of hope, advocating for an inclusive society that values the contributions of all citizens, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or background. The assault on peaceful protesters contradicts this legacy and underscores the widening gap between our nation’s aspirations and current realities.
“This attack is not just an act of violence; it is an affront to the core principles of our democracy,” said Syeed Ahamed, CEO of IID. He added, “We cannot allow the voices of marginalized communities to be silenced through fear and violence. It is our collective responsibility to stand against such acts and demand accountability.”
A Worrying Trend of Politically Motivated Curriculum Changes
The incident comes in the wake of the government’s hasty decision to remove the term “Adibashi” from the textbook following pressure from a vocal minority. This decision is part of a broader pattern of politically motivated changes in educational content, often yielding to extremist ideologies rather than prioritizing inclusivity and evidence-based reform. This trend was evident in September 2024 when the government dissolved the Textbook Review Committee just days after its formation, following demands from groups opposing the inclusion of diverse perspectives in educational materials.
The repeated changes to textbooks for political appeasement have far-reaching consequences. Over the years, these shifts have disconnected education from the needs of the modern job market, leading to a generation of graduates unprepared for employment. This disconnection was a key factor behind the Quota Reform Movement, which emerged as unemployed graduates demanded accountability for an education system that failed to equip them with relevant skills.
Sunjida Rahman, Head of Youth for Policy said, “We must break the cycle of politically driven curriculum changes. Education should empower students with critical thinking and lifelong learning skills, not perpetuate narratives that marginalize communities or fail to prepare them for the future.”